Is this a problem? (fixable in Brighton?)

[jaypee]

This is a mavic on campy wheel running totally true and fitted to a very nice 531 frame. The wheel spins dead centre between the brake calipers. However it is almost (but never) touching the nds chainstay and miles from the other side.

I'm assuming either the stays or the dropouts are misaligned. Shifting is ok but not perfect, presumably as a result.

I'm not aware of any frame builders in Brighton - any amateurs/bike shops that could help? Does it even need it?

Any comments/advice welcome!

 

[ScillySuffolk]

If you have, or could borrow a flip-flop wheel you could check if the frame is misaligned: it should be centred when flipped on either side, if the frame is true.

It may be that your wheel just needs re-dishing; it looks like you have a freewheel (for 126mm OLD frames): is the frame 130mm OLD?

Re-dishing a wheel should cost a tenner or so; if the frame is skewed then it might be remedied (for example) by filing a dropout, or could be "beyond economic repair".

Fingers crossed!

 

[Mike Muz]

Hi ,

I'm presuming the drop outs are vertical ? If not may be just a simple case of adjusting the screws in the end of the drop outs .
Try Jon Chickens Emporium for a local frame repair . He builds complete frames , as is a nice bloke too . Woodingdean local enough for you ?

Mike

 

[keithglos]

Not easy to see, but from the picture looking down you appear to have about half a mile of space between the Right fork end and the small cog. If so you should be able to re allocate some of the spacers to the other side.
If you run a string from a rear end, round the head tube and back to the other rear end you can get a rough idea whether the frame is bent, by the space between the seat tube and the string.
Keith

 

[jaypee]

Great tip Mike! I'd never heard of him but I've just checked out his website.

The drop outs are horizontal with those adjustable screws but it's deliberately set up as it is to fit between the brake blocks. Trouble is that leaves it off-centre at the chainstays.

 

[jaypee]

Thanks Keith that's the kind of advice I was after - I'll give it a try.

 

[DA-EVO]

Put the wheel in the wrong way round and see if the problem reverses?

 

[andyz]

Great tip Mike! I'd never heard of him but I've just checked out his website.

The drop outs are horizontal with those adjustable screws but it's deliberately set up as it is to fit between the brake blocks. Trouble is that leaves it off-centre at the chainstays.

As a matter of interest, what happens if you back off the adjustment screws and allow the spindle to rest at the ends of the dropouts?

It may just be a dishing issue?

 

[Mike Muz]

If there were too many spacers on the non-drive side , then surely the wheel would be rubbing on the drive side chainstay unless the wheel is severely out of line . The lining up of the brake is secondary to the alignment of the wheel , as the caliper arms may possibly be twisted , so that is not a defining factor IMO . As DA-EVO said , turn wheel around and see how it lines up with the frame , not the brake .
Good luck ,
Mike

 

[jaypee]

If you have, or could borrow a flip-flop wheel you could check if the frame is misaligned: it should be centred when flipped on either side, if the frame is true.

It may be that your wheel just needs re-dishing; it looks like you have a freewheel (for 126mm OLD frames): is the frame 130mm OLD?

Re-dishing a wheel should cost a tenner or so; if the frame is skewed then it might be remedied (for example) by filing a dropout, or could be "beyond economic repair".

Fingers crossed!

Somehow managed to miss this but yes I see the logic and could probably borrow a flip flop wheel - I'll try just turning it round first.

Lots of food for thought, thanks all